When benefits outweigh the risks: Implications for substance use in juvenile offenders

Conference Year

January 2019

Abstract

Evidence for mechanisms in the development of substance use disorders (SUD) is weak. Subgroups of antisocial youth in the criminal justice system have increased risk of developing SUD. This study examined relationships among psychopathic traits, perceptions of consequences of substance use (expectancies), and frequency of use among detained youth. Youth perceiving higher benefits of use reported more past substance use and intentions to use in the future, regardless of perceived risk. Youth with primary psychopathic traits were more likely to fit this pattern than those high in secondary psychopathic traits, or those low in psychopathic traits. Treatment implications are discussed.

Primary Faculty Mentor Name

Timothy Stickle

Status

Graduate

Student College

College of Arts and Sciences

Program/Major

Psychological Science

Primary Research Category

Social Sciences

Abstract only.

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When benefits outweigh the risks: Implications for substance use in juvenile offenders

Evidence for mechanisms in the development of substance use disorders (SUD) is weak. Subgroups of antisocial youth in the criminal justice system have increased risk of developing SUD. This study examined relationships among psychopathic traits, perceptions of consequences of substance use (expectancies), and frequency of use among detained youth. Youth perceiving higher benefits of use reported more past substance use and intentions to use in the future, regardless of perceived risk. Youth with primary psychopathic traits were more likely to fit this pattern than those high in secondary psychopathic traits, or those low in psychopathic traits. Treatment implications are discussed.